Trump asks Sen. Tom Cotton to move forward with bill that would make daylight saving time permanent

President Donald Trump on Saturday called on Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas to stop blocking the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that seeks to make daylight saving time permanent in the country and end the twice-yearly time changes.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Cotton is holding up a measure that, in his view, should be passed with broad bipartisan support. The president argued that having more sunlight in the afternoon would benefit, among others, workers, farmers and sports activities.

In the Truth Social post, Trump said voters should call Cotton's cell phone and shared his number.

What is the Sunshine Protection Act?

The bill, designated as H.R. 139, was passed by the House of Representatives on July 14 by a vote of 308 in favor and 117 against. The following day, it was referred to the Senate and sent to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, where it remains pending.

The legislation seeks permanently establish daylight saving time in states that currently observe the seasonal time change, although territories that already maintain standard time year-round could continue to do so.

Cotton, however, has expressed concerns about the impact the measure would have during the winter months. His main argument is that maintaining daylight saving time year-round would result in darker mornings, especially in some northern states, which could affect students and workers who start their days early.

Until Congress approves a change, the United States will continue with the current system. In 2026, daylight saving time will end on Nov. 1, when clocks must be set back one hour.